Nancy Ann Holtrop, age 79, of Custer, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017 in Bellingham at the Whatcom County Hospice House.
Nancy was born on July 28, 1937 in Inglewood, California, to father Walter Clark Allen and mother Sarah Lord. She grew up with seven siblings: Marian, Charles, Dorothy, Robert, Sara Mae, Roberta and Walter. Her favorite thing was to ride on the tractor during haying time. She worked in the berry fields for three years, at Alaska Packers for four years, at Sunrise Grocery for 14 years and at the Lynden Liquor Store for 14 years. She also farmed on Sunrise Road with her husband and in-laws for a number of years.
Nancy was the glue that held her family together. She was referred to as a Battleship. Everyone who knew Nancy fell in love with her. There were no strangers to her. Everyone she met was welcomed into her family with open arms.
She married Bernard G. Holtrop on Oct. 30, 1954 in Lompoc, California. They were the proud parents of four children: Mindy, Larry, Gary and Anne. She was the proud grandmother of Christopher Engler (whom she and her husband raised), Kimberly, Holli and Shaina James, all of whom she loved very much.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Bernard G. Holtrop; her sons, Larry and Gary Holtrop; her daughter, Anne and husband Steven James; and her grandchildren Christopher Engler, Kim, Holli and Shaina James.
She was preceded in death by her siblings and her daughter Mindy.
Nancy lived her life to the fullest. She brought great joy to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Her glass was always half full. If you ever saw her, she always wore a big, beautiful smile on her face. Nancy practically raised the kids from the neighborhood; they were always at her house and held a special place in her heart. Her favorite animal was the elephant, and she had a vast collection of statues and stuffed animals, and the list goes on. She also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside her home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Whatcom County Hospice House or kidney research.
At Nancy’s request there will be no services. Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
